There are so many spectacular outdoor attractions on Kauai—from mountains and beaches to beautiful Kauai waterfalls—but did you know that you’ll be witnessing a scene from an iconic film when you visit one specific location?
That location would be Manawaiopuna Falls; read on to find out why this stunning site might be so familiar and learn more about how to see this lush waterfall from the air and even up close.
Remember, though, that Kauai, known as “The Garden Isle,” there are plenty of other outdoor activities in Kauai that you can enjoy, such as hiking trails, the incredible Kauai Cave Trail, sunset cruises, snorkeling, fishing charters, horseback riding, golfing, and so much more.
Manawaiopuna Falls in the Movies
If you were among the many millions of moviegoers who, in 1993, went to the theaters to take in Steven Spielberg’s megahit Jurassic Park, you settled back in your chair, put your Coke in its holder, clutched your bag of popcorn, and watched as the unsuspecting group of main characters arrived on the fictitious island that is the movie’s setting.
The scene depicts the group coming in by helicopter, and while the name of the island in the movie is fictional, the waterfalls by which the helicopter flies are genuine. They are the very real majestic 400-foot-tall Manawaiopuna Falls on the authentic island of Kauai.
Of course, with the immense popularity of Spielberg’s movies then and now, Manawaiopuna Falls has become a prevalent location for fans of the film as well as those who simply want to take in the epic sight of what has become known as “Jurassic Falls.”
So, suppose you’re visiting Hawaii and want to take in the many top outdoor attractions on Kauai. In that case, you will not want to miss flying over the very same waterfalls by which the characters portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, Richard Attenborough, and Sam Neill flew nearly 30 years ago.
Helicopter Tours
There is no walking trail to Manawaiopuna Falls, no bus tour, and no boat that can take you to the location. The only way to see and reach these magnificent falls is by a Kauai helicopter tour.
Island Helicopters Kauai will give you an incredible view of the falls, not only from the air, but from up-close as well, as the helicopter lands right at the Falls. You can stand on the ground and get close to the cascading waters made famous by the blockbuster movie.
The air portion of the tour, called the Grand Skies Island Tour, will not only take you over the movie-famous Falls. You will also be taken over other sensational landmarks such as Waimea Canyon (known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), Hanapepe Valley, Hanalei Bay and Valley, the Mt. Waialeale crater, and another movie location, Bali Hai and Lumahai Beach that was seen in the film South Pacific. The Grand Skies Island Tour is a 50- to 55-minute journey where you’ll learn about Hawaiian history and local legends from your pilot as you fly over these must-see canyons, mountains, and cliffs.
No other helicopter tour on the island adds in the on-the-ground experience that you get from this exclusive tour by Island Helicopters. The company has a permit from the private landowner of the area that allows them—and only them—to land at the Falls. In fact, Island Helicopters was the company that assisted Jurassic Park’s film crew while the movie was filmed!
After landing, you can spend the allotted 25 minutes of ground time walking at the base of the Falls, feeling the water mist against your face, and learning about the history of and other facts about the surrounding rainforest.
Plan Your Visit!
Are you ready to experience the endless opportunities for fun and adventure in Kauai? Planning your trip with Kauai Calls is simple! Just view our Kauai vacation rentals, reserve your favorite, and prepare to make endless memories with the ones you love most!
The tour, combining air and land time, is about 75-80 minutes long. The tour flies every day except Sunday and most Thursdays. Reservation requests can be made online.
Air Kauai Helicopter Tours also flies over “Jurassic Falls.” This shorter flight, under an hour, does not include landing and offers a more budget-friendly experience. You’ll still experience the Jurassic movie shot while also seeing other popular sites, such as Waimea Canyon and the rugged Na Poli Coast cliffs and shoreline.
Be sure to note weight restrictions, what to wear, accessories that can and cannot be brought on the helicopter, and other important information when booking a helicopter tour of Jurassic Falls and other landmarks.
After your fascinating helicopter tour, our Kauai rentals will be waiting to welcome you home. Rent one of our Wailpouli Beach Resort vacation rentals and look forward to stunning ocean views, private lanais, designer furnishings, and more. After a day of exploring, you can relax with a rejuvenating shower, chill out in front of the flat-screen TV, or walk down to the beach to continue your Hawaiian adventure. Contact Kauai Calls to see how we can help you find the perfect Kauai vacation rental for your upcoming getaway.
